Embassy of the Free Mind

About the museum

The Embassy of the Free Mind grew out of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, the private library of the Amsterdam businessman Joost R. Ritman. Over many years he collected books and manuscripts on hermetic philosophy, alchemy, mysticism, Kabbalah, the Rosicrucians and Freemasonry, and made the collection publicly accessible in 1984. In 2016 he donated it to the newly founded museum, which opened its doors on 1 November 2017. In 2022 UNESCO added parts of the library to its “Memory of the World” register.

The building at Keizersgracht 123 is the Huis met de Hoofden of 1622, named after six busts of Roman deities on the façade. From 1634 it was home to the wealthy brothers Louis and Laurens de Geer, who supported freethinkers and persecuted authors and themselves owned a library of around 6,000 books. Today the living rooms, bookshelves and reading tables are arranged as a “living storehouse of knowledge”; prints, manuscripts and symbolic drawings can be seen on two and a half floors.

The museum also includes a garden with alchemical allusions, a café, a shop, an academy and a digital collection. With more than 25,000 volumes, the library is one of the largest collections on Western esotericism.

Highlights

• Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica with more than 25,000 volumes, parts of it in the UNESCO register
• Huis met de Hoofden of 1622 with historic rooms
• Rare-book tours on alchemy, hermeticism, the Rosicrucians, Freemasonry and magic
• Garden with alchemical allusions and garden café
• Free audio tour in Dutch and English

Founded

2017

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Museumkaart, Stadspas, I amsterdam City Card, ICOM card and Embassy membership (from €100 a year). Online booking recommended; tickets are usually also available at the door; rebooking once up to 24 hours in advance, no refunds. Card and debit payment only, no cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic building has no lift, and the upper floors are not accessible to wheelchair users. Pushchairs, walkers and wheelchairs cannot be used inside the building and must be left at the entrance; a lift is planned. Benches for resting, assistance dogs allowed, other animals not.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children have free admission; the website mentions no dedicated family programmes. Pushchairs must be left at the entrance.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks along the street.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café with garden (run independently), shop on site and online, free lockers and cloakroom at the entrance. Food and drinks brought from outside are not allowed in the building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Available for hire are the Great Hall (60–100 people), the café (24–30), the C.G. Jung Room (10–25), the meeting room (10), the garden (40–80), the garden house (12–30) and the entire building; also for official wedding ceremonies. Catering and tours on request; discount for non-profit organisations.

Plan your visit